A Minimalist Approach to the Diachronic Study of English Modals

• 영문명: A Minimalist Approach to the Diachronic Study of English Modals
• 발행기관: 한국영어학학회
• 저자명: Sungkyun Shin
• 간행물 정보: 『영어학연구』영어학연구 제21호, 221~238쪽, 전체 18쪽
• 주제분류: 어문학 > 영어와문학
• 파일형태: PDF
• 발행일자: 2006.06.01

영문 초록

  This paper argues that the change from Old English to Modern English results from parameter-resetting as language acquisition (growth) results from parameter-setting. Through the diachronic study of English modals, the paper leads to the conclusion that Modern English modals are a result of parameter-resetting from the Old English premodals. This parameter-resetting is achieved through markedness, involving gradual changes of language. Language change, as suggested by Kroch (1989) and other scholars, shows an S-shaped curve in grammar change, not an abrupt change implied by parameter-resetting. This dilemma is solved by the introduction of a notion of markedness, mediated by phonologica,l, morphological, or syntactic change.

목차

1. Introduction
2. The change of Old English premodals
3. Markedness and Parameter-Resetting
4. Conclusion
References

키워드

minimalist diachronic study English modals parameter-resetting markedness gradual change